MassVoter.com← Fall River City CouncilFall River City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
August 12, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 34 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Your Fall River ballot: 16 quizzes, about a minute each.
Start my ballot →5:55 p.m. · Public Hearings
Sources: Minutes (PDF, in the agenda packet where the council approved them) · Agenda packet · Meeting video
Public hearings let residents speak for or against petitions such as curb cuts, pole locations and licenses. The full council decides them at its regular meeting.
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Andrew J. Raposo, Ricky T. Tith
Absent: Cliff A. Ponte
2 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Opening the hearings
Minutes, page 101 · Agenda packet · Video
To open the hearing
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to open the hearing, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
Closing the hearings
Minutes, page 102 · Agenda packet · Video
To close the hearing at 6:04 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to close the hearing at 6:04 p.m., with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
7:00 p.m. · Fall River City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda packet · Revised agenda · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Shawn E. Cadime, Joseph D. Camara, Michelle M. Dionne, Paul B. Hart, Bradford L. Kilby, Linda M. Pereira, Andrew J. Raposo, Ricky T. Tith
Absent: Cliff A. Ponte
32 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
Priority Matters
1 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Catherine Gibney to the Board of Election Commissioners
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
To confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Raposo)
2 Mayor and request for confirmation of the appointment of Inés da Silva Paulino Leite to the position of City Clerk
Minutes, page 1 · Agenda packet · Video
8 yeas to confirm the appointment
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Vice President Pereira and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted 8 yeas to confirm the appointment, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Pereira, second: Dionne)
3 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: establishment of a Library Programs Revolving Fund
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
4 Mayor and proposed ordinance re: creation of a new position of Supervisor of School Crossing Guards and adjustments to the current salary of Crossing Guards
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the proposed ordinance to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
5 Mayor and order appropriating $243,000.00 from EMS, Revenues to EMS, Expenses
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
Yes: Hart, Kilby, Pereira, RaposoNo: Cadime, Dionne, Joseph D. Camara, TithAbsent: Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was voted 4 yeas, 4 nays to adopt the order, with Vice President Hart, Councilor Kilby, and Councilor Raposo voting in the affirmative, and with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting, and the motion failed to carry.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
Priority Communications
6 Board of Election Commissioners and warrant for Preliminary City Election scheduled for September 16, 2025
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the warrant
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adopt the warrant, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
7 Traffic Commission recommending amendments to the traffic ordinances
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to refer the recommendations to the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
Resolutions
8 Committee on Ordinances and Legislation convene with Corporation Counsel, the Fire Chief and the Director of Inspectional Services to discuss the creation of an ordinance that would impose stricter safety requirements and more frequent
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Kilby, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Kilby)
9 Committee on Finance convene with the Administrator of Community Utilities to discuss the potential environmental, public safety and financial benefits that could be generated by providing community utility services to nearby municipalities
Minutes, page 2 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the resolution
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the resolution, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
To take items 10 and 11 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to take items 10 and 11 together, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
Citations
11 Rick Sahady — We Love Children Organization
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the citations
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Cadime, it was unanimously voted to adopt the citations, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Cadime)
Orders: Hearings
12 Armindo and Casandra Lima, 363 Miller Street — Removal of 9 feet for a total opening of 27 feet, 6 inches, at 363 Miller Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Orders: Miscellaneous
13 Auto Repair Shop License Renewals Kenneth Rapoza d/b/a JR's Superlube Inc. — 155 Milliken Boulevard Kenneth Rapoza d/b/a JR's Superiube inc. — 334 Rhode Island Avenue
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
14 Police Chief's report on licenses Taxicab Drivers Joseph D. Beauregard Camron Frazier Joel M. Houtman David Johnson Hakam McLeod Irwin Robinson Laura Rodriguez
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
15c City Engineer prepare plans for the acceptance of the following streets:: Stonybrook Circle extending from Hayfield Lane to Courtney Street
Minutes, page 3 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the orders to the Planning Board
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted to refer the orders to the Planning Board, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Communications: Invitations: Petitions
16 Claims
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the claims to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to refer the claims to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
17 Letter from city resident regarding fallen tree in Pulaski Park near 466 Warren Street
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
That the communication be referred to both the Board of Park Commissioners and the Department of Cemeteries/Trees
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the communication be referred to both the Board of Park Commissioners and the Department of Cemeteries/Trees, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
18 Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin Dias re: July 15, 2025, alleged violation by the City Council Committee on Real Estate
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
19 Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Collin Dias re: July 15, 2025, alleged violation by the City Council
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To refer the Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to refer the Open Meeting Law complaint to Corporation Counsel, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
20 Drainlayer License MRC Contracting, Inc.
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the drainlayer license
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve the drainlayer license, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
21c Application for structures on or over a public way for Elections Department to hang Election Day/VOTE banners from September 2 to September 16, 2025, at the following locations: Pleasant Street (25' x 3')
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the permit
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to approve the permit, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
22c Application for structures on or over a public way for Elections Department to hang Election Day/VOTE banners from October 21 to November 4, 2025 at the following locations: Pleasant Street (25' x 3')
Minutes, page 4 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the permit
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Dionne, it was unanimously voted to approve the permit, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Dionne)
23c Applications for structures on or over a public way for the Fallen Officers Memorial Trust (31st Giunta 5K Race) to hang banners from September 5 to October 5, 2025, at the following locations: Pleasant Street at Stafford Square (25' x 3')
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the permits
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to approve the permits, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
24 Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes ~ June 26, 2025
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the minutes be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted that the minutes be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
To take items 25 through 28 together
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to take items 25 through 28 together, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
28 Special Meeting of the City Council — July 21, 2025
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To approve the minutes
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Hart and seconded by Councilor Raposo, it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Hart, second: Raposo)
Bulletins: Newsletters: Notices
29 Notice of Casualty and Loss at 593 Elsbree Street
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
That the notice be accepted and placed on file
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the notice be accepted and placed on file, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Priority Matters (filed late)
Late 5a Mayor and gift order for a donation of equipment and supplies from Blount Fine Foods
Minutes, page 5 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the order
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by President Camara, it was unanimously voted to adopt the order, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Joseph D. Camara)
Committee Reports (filed late)
Late 7a Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Handicapped parking - Aimy Street, East, 413 feet south of Cory Street - Berkley Street, North, 73 feet west of Second Street - Kilburn Street, East, 66 feet north of Dweily Street - McGowan Street, South, 224 feet west of Fielden Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adopt the emergency preamble
Yes: Cadime, Dionne, Hart, Joseph D. Camara, Kilby, Pereira, Raposo, TithAbsent: Ponte
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was voted 8 yeas to adopt the emergency preamble, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained
From the minutes
“On a further motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, second reading, passed to be enrolled and passed to be ordained, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Late 7b Proposed Ordinance — Traffic, Miscellaneous Handicapped Parking (strike outs) - Baird Street, North, 188 feet east of Jefferson Street - Barnaby Street, West, 315 feet north of Lincoln Avenue - Cambridge Street, South, 135 feet west of Jefferson Street
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
That the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Councilor Hart, it was unanimously voted that the proposed ordinance be passed through first reading, with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Hart)
Adjournment
Recommended by the Committee on Ordinances and Legislation
Minutes, page 6 · Agenda packet · Video
To adjourn at 8:49 p.m
From the minutes
“On a motion made by Councilor Raposo and seconded by Vice President Pereira, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:49 p.m., with Councilor Ponte absent and not voting.” (Motion: Raposo, second: Pereira)
From the official minutes kept by the Fall River City Clerk (agendas and minutes). The minutes are scanned documents; we read them with text recognition, check every vote count against the councilors named, and quote the exact sentence for each vote. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councilor photos: the nine 2026–2027 councilors from the City of Fall River's official councilor photos (Contact the Council page, fallriverma.gov); earlier councilors cropped from the 2024–2025 council group photo and the 2022–2023 council group photo (as published by Fall River Reporter, September 2022). Trott Lee: from his campaign Facebook page (facebook.com/trottlee4cc). Ricky Tith: from Fall River Reporter (April 2025). 2018–2019 councilors (Steven A. Camara, Stephen R. Long, Derek R. Viveiros) and the 2018–2019 group photo: from the City of Fall River’s FY2019 budget book. Richard Cabeceiras, Raymond A. Mitchell and the 2016–2017 group photo: Herald News photo by Jack Foley (January 2016), provided by the Fall River City Clerk. The 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 group photos: provided by the Fall River City Clerk.
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